What's likely a combination of strategy and caution, the Vikings have announced they will not decide their quarterback for Halloween until a few hours before kickoff against the Patriots.

According to a report by ESPN.com, Minnesota head coach Brad Childress said he will "probably wait" until the last minute to make the decision as to whether or not Brett Favre will be starting on Sunday. Childress also said he wasn't taking Favre's NFL record of 291 consecutive starts into consideration when making the final decision.

"Can he protect himself?" Childress responded when a reporter asked if he wanted Favre to start. " And what gives us the best chance to win?"

Favre was limited in practice on Friday, taking the field for drills with a wrap on his left ankle protecting two fractured bones. Favre told reporters earlier in the week that he wanted to play, and that he was doing everything he could to prepare himself with the fractured bones in mind.

According to a report by the Minnesota Star Tribune, Childress has been leaning toward Favre's backup quarterback, Tavaris Jackson, as the game day starter. Watching Favre move around and throw the football on Friday, Childress called his progress "encouraging," but he'll continue to watch Favre throughout the weekend.

Childress was coy with all his responses regarding Favre, and was even humorous at times. When asked about Favre's mobility on the field, Childress replied that it was "better than an iron deer on the lawn."

So unless Patriots fans can decode that message, the decision will be left up to Sunday. Until then, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he's preparing for anyone and everyone on the Minnesota roster, practice squad included.

"Whether it’s the guy listed first on the depth chart or not, if they're on the 45-man roster or even if they're on the practice squad … you better know who they are," he said.